wash or not to wash

[B-LYN]

I am new to this community and so far I really like it. My question is as old as quilting itself. I bought a quilt kit from Paduka a few years ago and am now finally ready to start it. Should I wash the fabric? I am afraid if I do I won't have enough fabric and I not sure I can get more. WHATA SHOULD I DO WASH OR NOT thanks B-LYN

[Joannequilts]

B-BYN, if it were me, I wouldn't wash a kit. Unless the colors are red, dark blue or green or black. And even then, I probably wouldn't.

Joanne

[girl]

Welcome to the world of quilting, If it was me and you couldn't get ahold of more material incase of shrinkage. (If you wash before sewing) then I would not wash it. I don't wash mine. Its each owns preference. Happy Quilting.

[grniydgrl]

I'm also new and have been told not to pre-wash.

[Marilynsgrammy]

I agree with Joanne and Girl.. since you have a kit and might not be able to get more of the fabric incase of shrinkage I wouldn't wash it.....

I do wash fabric if I purchase yards or even FQ's.... it really is a personal preference...

after putting together a quilt without washing fabric first you still could have shrinkage...

welcome to the fourm, don't be a stranger

Chriss

[lorettav]

I don't usually pre-wash.

[purrfect-lady]

Hi, B-Lyn,

WELCOME!! Come check out the rest of the forum when you get time. As for pre-washing, I do it to set colors and to insure that there won't be shrinkage AFTER I finish a project. But I don't think I'd pre-wash a purchased kit for the very reason you mentioned. Pre-washing is a matter of preference, but I think the important thing is keep the fabrics in whatever project you make the same. Pre-wash them all, or none of them. Mary Z

[quilterbee]

I don't prewash, Amie

[sadiedaisy1]

I never prewash my fabric (except if I'm in a block swap that requires it) and I have used bright colors and haven't had any problems. When my quilt is finished, I wash it using either Color Catchers (found at the grocery store) or Retayne (found at a quilt shop) so any loose dyes aren't a problem. I use the Color Catchers when washing new clothes too so I don't have to wash them separately. I love them. However, you will learn that there are many quilters who prewash everything so there isn't a right or wrong answer, just what works for you.

[grammiequilts]

If I purchase a kit with strong colors...I soak the like colrs(red and reds greens and greens) In hot water and Reytayne(sp) It is a color fixative. I wring the fabric in a towel and press it damp. I never put it in the dryer. I try to press it back to it's originl size. It is labor intensve but beats having a quilt top run. I usually resist kits unless there is more fabric available/